writing coach

Albert is the teacher and founder of a high-level creative writing school which is an alternative to MFA programs. Albert wants more students in his program, but he’s got his foot on the gas and the brake at the same time in his business, which you will hear in this session.  

There’s an inner confidence that he needs to cultivate, and it starts with Albert discovering tangible ways that will assist him to emotionally take in the large amount of positive feedback he’s received from students throughout the many years he’s had his writing school. 

There’s no question that Albert is confident in his craft, but he needs to work the confidence muscle when it comes to marketing his business and becoming more visible online. 

In this session you’ll hear Albert discover ways he can begin to increase his visibility.

Click the show notes page to find out more: https://kristinmorrison.com/podcast19

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In this episode of the How to be an Author podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein dives deep into the captivating world of book trailers and explores the myriad benefits they offer for authors and their novels. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind successful book trailer campaigns, discussing how these visual masterpieces can amplify your storytelling and propel your book to new heights. Discover the art of crafting compelling trailers and leveraging their power on social media, on your website, and elsewhere to engage readers. 

You'll find out:

-Why book trailers are such a powerful tool

-Why creating a book trailer can help your wriitng career in multiple ways

-How to create a book trailer yourself, or what you need to have on hand before you hire someone to do it

-Where and how to show off your book trailer to attract ideal readers to your written work

You put your heart and soul into writing and publishing your book and...crickets. Or, you don't sell as many copies as you had hoped, or reach the readers you had hoped to. Is it too late, or is there anything you can do? Know that, as a writer, you are never at a dead end- maybe a novel relaunch is the logical next step in your author journey.  Discover the secrets to a triumphant book relaunch in this episode of the How to be an Author podcast. Join your host Karena Akhavein, author and writing coach, as she shares insider tips on how to excel in your relaunch, including refining your novel, creating a more compelling, keyword-rich book description, and designing a more eye-catching cover. If you're intimidated about unleashing the power of strategic marketing and harnessing data-driven insights to propel your relaunched book to success, get ready to reignite your passion and your readers' interest with this transformative episode on mastering the art of the book relaunch. 

As humans, we have always been compelled to write stories, and it's through stories that we're able to express our most inner thoughts and feelings, as well as explore the unknown and create new, complex worlds. The reasons that we write stories are as varied and diverse as the stories themselves – some people write stories for entertainment, others to explore their own experiences, and some to bring about change in the world.

No matter the reason, the power of story is undeniable. For ages, stories have been used to give shape to our values and beliefs, to record history, and to challenge us to think differently. Many of our most beloved stories – fairy tales, fables, and myths – have been passed down for generations, offering a window into a distant past, and conveying life lessons that still resonate today.

But why do we write stories? What drives us to express our thoughts and feelings through the art of storytelling? To answer this question, it is important to look at the various motivations that can lead a person to write a story.

So let's do it!

In this episode of the How to be an Author podcast, we dive into the common mistakes that most writers make and overlook, but which have a significant negative impact on their books' success.

From lack of structure to weak characterization, POV problems, lack of conflict and tension, pacing that falls flat, misplaced humor, and overwrought writing, we'll be talking easy ways to determine where your main writing issues lie.

Not to worry, this episode won't be a downer! We'll be providing clear guidance on how to identify and rectify these issues, ensuring that your writing reaches its full potential.

A common issue with writers is impatience with revisions. After this episode, you'll be excited to embrace the revision process as an opportunity to polish and refine your book, ultimately improving its chances of success.

Join us as we uncover your book's hidden mistakes and equip you with practical strategies to identify and fix them. It's easier than you may have thought to craft a compelling book that captivates readers and sets you on the path to writing success.

Last week, I got together with some writers and fellow book coaches, and we got on to the subject of likeable characters. I was particularly interested because I've recently encountered a character who isn't likeable, and it's pulling me out of their story.

For years, writers have struggled with an age-old question: Do fictional characters need to be likeable? This question has spurred debate with people passionately defending both sides. The "likability" camp insists that if a character isn't agreeable, readers won't be able to connect with the story. On the opposite end of the spectrum lurks a faction determined to prove that unlikable characters can still be engaging.

So, do fictional characters have to be likeable, or should they be able to bring something different to the table? Let's see if we can reach a verdict on whether likability is mandatory for our literary characters.

Being a successful writer is often about calling yourself out on your bullsh*t.

As a professional writing coach, Karena Akhavein, Ph.D., has talked to many writers struggling to make their dream of being a published author a reality. The common thread? These writers believe certain lies about writing and creativity that are now holding them back.

In this episode, we'll be going over some of the most common but insidious misconceptions and myths that writers tell themselves. It's time to debunk the lies and unlock your true potential as a writer! You'll come out of this episode inspired and ready to hit your writing goals.

Also, we'll be talking writng skills: how to write about the central lie your main character believes, and which is at the center of their character arc.

We all know how important it is to create believable characters in the stories we tell. But creating characters isn't always easy. To make sure that your characters are as three-dimensional and interesting as possible, you need to have answers to a lot of questions about them. At least seventy, if not more.

You might be feeling overwhelmed right now, but take a deep breath and don’t worry – this doesn’t have to be a stressful process. We’re aiming to make this activity fun, lighthearted and inspirational! After all, the more questions you have answered before you start writing, the better your characters will be.

The questions I'll be covering in this episode were ones I used as an actor for creating characters for the stage, and they're designed to explore your main characters in more depth, helping you to create characters with their own unique personality traits and backstories. Once you’ve got all of your answers, you’ll be in a much better position to start writing about them and giving them life.

When answering the questions, don’t be afraid to be creative, and you don’t need to answer them in a specific order. This process is all about developing your own unique universe, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

"But I'm a writer- I'm a words person, not a numbers person!"

Not so fast.

In this episode, writing coach Karena Akhavein, Ph.D.,  explores the world of writing and publishing related data and discusses the metrics that matter most for authors who want to succeed in today's highly competitive book market. We'll delve into the importance of understanding analytics, such as website traffic, social media engagement, and book sales, in order to help you make informed decisions about your writing career. From tracking reader behavior to analyzing market trends, we'll show you how to use data to optimize your writing strategy and achieve your goals. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to take their writing career to the next level and go from amateur writer to authorpreneur.

Looking to master the art of crafting a captivating first chapter?  Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, you've probbaly heard that your book's first chapter is the key to making an indelible first impresison on your reader. The first chapter can make or break your book and convince readers to keep reading, and agents and publishers to take you on as a client. In this episode of the How to be an Author podcast, wriitng coach Karena Akhavein shares invaluable tips and advice on how to hook your readers from the very first line, and keep them engaged until the very end. We'll also explore the common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid when writing the opening pages of your novel or memoir. This podcast for writers is packed with practical insights and actionable steps to help you write a powerful and memorable first chapter that sets the tone for your entire book. Listen in and unlock the secrets to creating a page-turning masterpiece!

I worked in the theatre from ages five to 32, and during that time I learned a lot. Like... a lot.

In the main, I acted, but I also directed, designed and made costumes, worked backstage, and once designed a set that was completely made of sails. And I sewed those sails. Yes, me, and all on my own.

So, working in the theatre, mainly as an actor, I had to learn how to inhabit a character, and I brought all of that to my creative writing practice - and more.

You might have heard the name Konstantin Stanislavski. Stanislavski was a Russian theatre practitioner who developed a system many actors follow to train, prepare, and rehearse. I studied Stanislavski's methods, and here's what I think writers should take from his system.

If you'd rather read, here's the accompanying blog post.

It has been said that the best way to break someone's heart is to write a romantic tragedy, but crafting a story that is heartbreaking, yet beautiful, takes skill and finesse.

Here are a few tips on how to write a romantic tragedy that will leave your readers in tears.

Are you a writer who's struggling to pick a single book idea to focus on? In this episode, we provide practical tips and strategies for selecting the right book idea that will help you achieve your writing goals. Your writing coach, Karena Akhavein, shares her experiences and insights on how to identify your strengths, interests, and audience, and how to use them to select a book idea that resonates with you and your readers. We also discuss common pitfalls to avoid, and how to stay focused and committed to your chosen idea. Whether you're a first-time writer or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you navigate the challenges of selecting the right book idea and get your writing career on the right track, or back on track. Tune in now and start writing your next bestseller today!

Many authors are afraid of marketing their books, viewing it as a daunting and uncomfortable task. But fear not! Your PhD writing coach, Karena Akhavein, will share valuable strategies on how to overcome this fear and approach marketing with confidence.

We'll discuss the importance of mindset and how it can impact the success of your marketing efforts. You'll learn how to shift your mindset to view marketing as an opportunity to connect with readers and share your story.

Your writing coach will also emphasize the significance of marketing in driving book sales, and how a strategic marketing plan can make all the difference. We'll explore various marketing techniques, from traditional to out-of-the-box ideas, to help you promote your novel in innovative and effective ways.

So if you're ready to take your marketing game to the next level, tune in to this episode of How to be an Author and learn how to overcome your fear of marketing, shift your mindset, and successfully promote your book.

In a novel, a good plot is about obstacles. But as a writer, you know that there are obstacles to writing, too. As authors go through the writing process, or as they go about building a writing career, there are a host of things can freeze them in their tracks. One of the big obstacles is anxiety.

Anxiety is not a disorder. It's not a disease. But it is a big mindset and mental health issue that affects so many writers. In this episode of the How to be an Author podcast, writing coach Karena Akhavein talks about:

-Why there is a strong correlation between creativity and anciety

-How anxiety impacts creativity and creative output for writers

-Real techniques to help to alleviate or to work through anxiety

-How experiencing anxiety can be a good thing for your book and your writing career

Want more info? Want to join Writing Coach on Demand or sign up for the From Idea to Published in 6 Months masterclass? Check out https://www.creativeandwritingcoach.com